SIDMOUTH only just missed out on gold at the South West in Bloom awards - landing a silver gilt in the Preece Cup for small coastal towns.

Four floral projects around the town also bagged individual community accolades when results were announced last Thursday.

Members of a completely new Sidmouth in Bloom committee, who had just six months to prepare for the contest, have toasted the achievements.

They say they are looking forward to a “fresh start” next year learning much in a short space of time.

“We weren’t expecting anything great but we learned a lot,” said Sidmouth in Bloom chairman Lynette Talbot.

“It’s been a really tough year and we’re pleased. This is a good start, we’ll keep improving.”

She added that competition bosses praised the new committee for the work it had done at short notice.

Only one town scored a gold award in Sidmouth’s category.

In Your Neighbourhood gongs – which encourage individuals or groups to continue work they are doing – went to the Chairman’s Garden near the cricket club, Fortfield Terrace residents and a pair of pensioners in Witheby.

A fourth, surprise, recipient will be revealed at a bloom awards night on October 24, said Lynette.

Town council chairman Stuart Hughes said: “My congratulations to a new group that put so much effort into receiving this award.”